Ashes
Ashes Betting: England Top Series Run Scorer Predictions
The 2025/26 Ashes series in Australia is set to be a major test for England’s batting lineup.
With familiar faces and emerging talent all in contention, the market for England’s top series run scorer offers plenty of intrigue.
Here, we assess the leading candidates based on current form, conditions, and historical performance.
Joe Root – 2/1
Joe Root is the favourite at 2/1, but his record in Australia suggests caution. Across 14 Tests down under, Root has scored 892 runs at an average of 35.68, with nine fifties but no centuries. His main issue has been converting starts against the Australian quicks, particularly on fuller and good-length deliveries where he averages in the mid-20s. While Root’s class and consistency make him a solid bet to score runs, his history suggests he may struggle to dominate as he does in other conditions.
Harry Brook – 5/2
Harry Brook has quickly become one of England’s most exciting modern batters, and at 5/2, he’s a strong contender. His aggressive approach could suit Australian pitches that reward positive stroke play, but there remains a question over his patience against the new ball. If he adapts quickly to conditions, Brook could emerge as England’s leading scorer, particularly given his ability to convert starts into big innings.
Ben Duckett – 9/2
Ben Duckett’s form at the top of the order has been impressive since his Test recall. His attacking style and ability to score quickly square of the wicket could work well on Australian surfaces, although facing the new ball against Cummins and Starc is a challenge. At 9/2, Duckett offers decent value if he can weather early spells and make use of flatter pitches later in the innings.
Ben Stokes – 7/1
England’s captain always rises to big occasions, and at 7/1, Ben Stokes represents an interesting outside bet. His record in Australia isn’t prolific, but he has shown time and again that he can deliver under pressure. If Stokes plays a more batting-focused role this series and manages his workload carefully, he could put up a serious challenge for top run scorer.
Zak Crawley – 15/2
Zak Crawley has grown in confidence at the top of the order and looks far more settled than in previous years. His natural game is suited to Australia’s pace and bounce, and if he can build on his recent form, 15/2 looks a fair price. The challenge, as ever, is consistency. If Crawley avoids loose early dismissals, he has the technique to make significant contributions.
Jamie Smith – 8/1
Jamie Smith is still relatively new to the Test setup, but the wicketkeeper-batter’s attacking instincts and ability to play both pace and spin make him an intriguing option. At 8/1, he’s something of a wildcard, but if he secures a middle-order spot, his natural stroke play could pay off on fast Australian wickets.
Ollie Pope – 10/1
Ollie Pope’s ability to score quickly and work gaps makes him a dangerous player when set. However, injuries have disrupted his rhythm, and he has yet to fully establish himself as a consistent performer overseas. At 10/1, Pope is a risk-reward option—capable of big innings but also prone to soft dismissals.
Jacob Bethell – 16/1
If given the chance, young Jacob Bethell could surprise a few. His composure and timing at domestic level have impressed selectors, and at 16/1, he represents value for those willing to back potential over experience. Whether he makes the starting XI regularly will determine his real betting appeal.
Will Jacks – 50/1
Will Jacks is the outsider of the main contenders at 50/1. His explosive batting and ability to change the momentum of a game make him entertaining to watch, but in Test conditions, consistency has been an issue. If he gets a run of games, Jacks could produce a standout innings, though sustained contributions are less likely.
